Causes: Current or Choice

For almost a century, the National Museum was homeless: its invaluable artifacts, paintings, documents, etc. were constantly being transferred from one government edifice to another because of incredible official neglect and indifference.

This tenuous housing situation continued until President Fidel V. Ramos signed in 1998 the National Museum Act sponsored mainly by Senators Angara, Roco and Shahani.

Last Feb. 16, the Museum Foundation of the Philippines celebrated the fifth anniversary of the National Museum’s permanent home by paying tribute to President Ramos and his legacy to Philippine culture. Fittingly called "Coming Home" the event had the Foundation launching the Museum Endowment Fund the same evening. A concert by the Executive’s Band featured jazz pianist Amelita Ramos, former First Lady, and Mishka Arellano Adams, a young jazz singer.

Over the years, the Museum Foundation currently headed by Maribel Ongpin as president, has accomplished several major projects for the National Museum.

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St. Luke’s Medical Center marked its 100th anniversary last March 20 with a program titled "100: New Age". In the musical revue were the PPO, the Madrigals, Robert Seña, Isay Alvarez, Sheila Francisco, Johanna Cabili, the QC Dance Foundation and the AILM Chorale among others.

From a nine-bed ward dispensary in 1903 to a 640-bed hospital today, St. Luke’s Medical Center is now a world-class institution combining the most advanced medical technology with "expertise and compassion". Donations go to the continuing acquisition of equipment, research and care of charity patients.

Other Centennial Events include an alumni homecoming, a sports festival, the release of a centennial book designed by Studio Five, bingo games, scientific symposia, a free clinic, a variety show and Family Day.

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"Golf for a Cause", a tournament set for April 8 at the Makati Golf Club will be the next fund-raising project of the Sinag Hospital Volunteers’ Foundation.

Chairman Lilia B. Tantoco and trustee Jesus Celdran are urging all golfers to join the tournament and make a hole-in-one while helping indigent patients in 11 hospitals throughout the country. Inviting divot-diggers to play for charity are foundation vice-chairman Lulu Periquet, president Bella Cordero, secretary Mila Racelis and treasurer Helen Tan.